20/06/2026
France is ending captive dolphin and orca shows, bringing an era of marine entertainment to a close. The move follows a law passed in 2021, with the final phaseout expected by the end of 2026. It is a decision that has sparked debate far beyond France.
Orcas are among the most wide ranging marine mammals on the planet, travelling huge distances in the wild and living in tightly connected family groups. Dolphins are known for their intelligence and complex social behavior, which is one reason why keeping them in tanks has faced growing criticism over the years.
The decision itself may sound simple, but the future of the animals is where things become more complicated. Many have spent their entire lives in human care, making relocation a challenge and release into the wild unlikely. That question is now at the center of the conversation.
Public attitudes have shifted dramatically since the days when marine animal performances were seen as a major attraction. France is not the first country to move in this direction, and it probably will not be the last.
Do you think marine animal performances should end worldwide, or is there still a place for marine parks focused on education and conservation?
